Person:William Bruce (30)

1842 Alexandria County, Virginia, Free Negro Register, 1797-1861, by Dorothy S. Provine, vol. II, p.119, registration no. 125 (Vol 2, p. 29): William Henry Bruce is about 24 years old, 5 feet 6 inches tall, of a light complexion, with a scar on the right side of his face extending from his ear to his chin. He was emancipated by the will of Colin Auld and was identified by William Page, one of the executors of Auld’s will.

1851 “Rochester Daily American City Directory For 1851-52” (from Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County, digital images online www.libraryweb.org/rochcitydir, published not stated), “Colored Persons” pages, no Bruce listed. In the regular pages, the following Bruces listed: p. 82, Bruce, John, locksmith, Front, h. St. Joseph, n. R.R.; p. 82; Bruce, David, morocco dresser, h. N. Water; p. 83, Bruce, Wm. hackman, b. Eagle Recess; p. 84, Bruce, James B. carriage trimmer, 3 Canal, h. 126 W. Atkinson.

1853 “Drew’s Rochester City Directory For 1853-54” (from Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County, digital images online www.libraryweb.org/rochcitydir, published not stated), the following Bruces contained, all p. 93: Bruce, Alexander, machinist, h. 231 Exchange; Bruce, Charles, moulder 157 Buffalo, h. Washington; Bruce, David, saloon, N. Water; Bruce, David, teamster, h. 108 S. Fitzhugh; Bruce, James B. grocer Buffalo, opp. Canal; Bruce, John, saloon keeper 9 N. St. Paul, h. 9 St. Joseph.

1854 Ohio County Marriages, 1789-1994 (familysearch.org) Hamilton County, p. 282, no. 743, William Henry Bruce married Minerva Brown on 20 Jul 1854 in Hamilton Coounty, OH. marriage license dated 12 Jul 1857, they were married by W. Reynolds, Minister of the Gospel. FHL film 344467.

1855 “Dewey’s Rochester City Directory For 1855-56” (from Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County, digital images online www.libraryweb.org/rochcitydir, published not stated), the following Bruces contained, all p. 112: Bruce, Alexander, machinist, Front, h 231 Exchange; see adv; Bruce, David, morocco dresser, Water, h Water; Bruce, David, teamster, h 110 s. Fitzhugh; Bruce, George H. foreman 114 Buffalo, b. Spencer’s Exchange; Bruce, James B. carriage trimmer, 3 Canal, h Buffalo; Bruce, William, laborer, h Whitney, n Lyell; Bruce, William, R. R. h 2 Julia; Bruce, Jane Mrs. h Pine.

1857 “Dewey’s Rochester City Directory For 1857-58” (from Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County, digital images online www.libraryweb.org/rochcitydir, published not stated), the following Bruces contained, all p. 148: Bruce, Alexander, machinist and locksmith 29 Front, h 231 Exchange; Bruce, Charles, moulder, 159 Buffalo; Bruce, David, teamster, h 110 South Fitzhugh; Bruce, James B. grocery & h Buffalo; Bruce, William, office near R. R. Depot, b 39 Jones; Bruce, Jane Miss, domestic, New England House.

1857 Marriage information obtained from Robert Jackson (rattaford@aol.com) 12/14/07.

1859 “Rochester Daily Union Annual City Directory For 1859” (from Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County, digital images online www.libraryweb.org/rochcitydir, published not stated), the following Bruces contained, all p. 76: Bruce, Alexander, machinist and locksmith, Front, h. 231 Exchange; Bruce, David, teamster, h. 100 S. Fitzhugh; Bruce, David, tanner, h. N. Water n. Andrews; Bruce, James B., grocer, shop and h. cor. West av. and Julia; Bruce William H., barber, cor. State and Buffalo, h. Union.

1860 US Census (NY, Monroe, Rochester, 7th Ward, penned sh 10, dwelling 90, ln 35) William Bruce 35, [a hyphen in the race column, seems to indicate a “ditto” from a previous “B” further up the page], b. VA, barber, could read and write. His wife, Minerva 28, [hyphen in race column], b. MS, could read and write. Their two children both b. NY: William 4; and Harriett 1. Also living with them, a domestic named Jean Brown 21, [hyphen in race column], b. MS, could read and write. **Not sure this is the right William Bruce, but many of the facts match. More research is needed. 9/1/06 **

1861 “Rochester Daily Union City Directory for 1861-2,” pub. Curtis, Butts & Co., Rochester, NY, p. 80, William H. Bruce, barber, Buffalo, h. 50 Union.

1863 “Boyd’s Directory Counties of Genessee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans and Wayne,” p. 166, William H. Bruce (Morris & Bruce) h. 18 Union.

1864 “Boyd’s Rochester and Brockport Directory 1864-5,” pub Andrew Boyd, p. 88, William H. Bruce (Morris & Bruce), h. 18 Union; p. 166, J. P. Morris (Morris & Bruce, h. 2 Bowery; p. 247 [business directory] Morris & Bruce were hair dressers, 33 Buffalo, Rochester.

1866 “Waite Brothers & Co’s Rochester Directory 1866-7” (from Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County, digital images online www.libraryweb.org/rochcitydir, published not stated), p. 89, Bruce, W H (Morris & Bruce,) h 16 S. Union.

1867 “Webb & Fitzgerald’s Rochester Directory 1867-8” (from Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County, digital images online www.libraryweb.org/rochcitydir, published not stated), p. 55, Bruce, W. H., (col’d) hairdresser, 33 Buffalo, h. 16 S Union.

1868 “Rochester Directory 1868-9” (from Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County, digital images online www.libraryweb.org/rochcitydir, published not stated), p. 45, Bruce, William H. hair dresser, 6 and 9 Masonic block, house 16 S Union.

1869 “Rochester Directory ” (from Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County, digital images online www.libraryweb.org/rochcitydir, published not stated), p. 113, Bruce, W. H., (col’d) hairdresser, 33 Buffalo, h. 16 S Union.

1869 “Gazetteer and Business Directory of Monroe County, NY 1869-70,” compiled and pub by Hamilton Child, Syracuse, NY, p. 317 (City of Rochester), Bruce, Wm H. barber saloon, 9 Masonic Block, Buffalo St. ; Bruce Wm. H. ladie’s hairdressing saloon, 6 Masonic Block, Buffalo St.

1870 US Census (NY, Monroe, Rochester, 7th Ward, penned sh 34, dwelling 284, ln 38) William Bruce 48, black, b. VA, barber, real property owned $1800, personal property owned $800, could read and write. His wife, Minnie, 38, black, b. VA, could read and write. Their children, all black, b. NY; William 14, attended school; Harriette 11, attended school; Hannah 9; George 6; and David 1.** Not sure this is the right William Bruce. More research is needed. 9/1/06 **

1870 “Rochester Directory” (from Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County, digital images online www.libraryweb.org/rochcitydir, published not stated), p. 40, Bruce, William H. hairdresser, 6 and 9 Masonic block, house 16 S. Union.

1871 “Rochester Directory” (from Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County, digital images online www.libraryweb.org/rochcitydir, published not stated), p. 45, Bruce, William H. hairdresser, Buffalo cor. Exchange, house 16 S. Union. --See page 445 [near city line. Page. 445, “Bruce’s Shaving and Hair Dressing Rooms, Buffalo Cor. Exchange Sts., Masonic Hall Block, Every Branch of the Business Executed with Artistic Skill. Particular Attention Paid to Children’s Hair Cutting. Bathing Rooms, Hot and Cold Water Baths at all hours, Day and Evening.”

1872 “Rochester Directory” (from Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County, digital images online www.libraryweb.org/rochcitydir, published not stated), p. 53, Bruce, William H. hairdresser, West Main cor. Exchange, house 16 S. Union. --See page 466. Page 466 ““Bruce’s Bathing & Shaving Rooms, West Main cor. Exchange Sts., Masonic Hall Block, Every Branch of the Business Executed with Artistic Skill. Particular Attention Paid to Children’s Hair Cutting. Bathing Rooms, Hot and Cold Water Baths at all hours, Day and Evening.”

1873 “The Rochester Directory, “ Drew, Allis & Co., Rochester, p.62, Bruce, William H. hairdresser, 37 West Main, cor. Exchange. (from Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County, digital images online www.libraryweb.org/rochcitydir).

1874 “The Rochester Directory, “ Drew, Allis & Co., Rochester, p.64, Bruce, William A. hairdresser, 25 W. Main, boards 5 Rowley (from Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County, digital images online www.libraryweb.org/rochcitydir).

1875 “The Rochester Directory, “ Drew, Allis & Co., Rochester, p.64, Bruce, William H. hairdresser, 35 W. Main, (from Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County, digital images online www.libraryweb.org/rochcitydir).

1876 “The Rochester Directory, “ Drew, Allis & Co., Rochester, p.66, Bruce, Wm. A.. hairdresser, 5 Exchange, b. 16; Bruce, Wm. H. bathing and laundry, 5 Exchange, h. Henion place n. Clifton -- See page 567. Page 567 “Bruce’s Hemlock Water Baths: Bathing and Hairdressing Rooms, also City Steam Laundry, Goods Returned Promptly, No. 5 Exchange Street, Rochester, NY (from Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County, digital images online www.libraryweb.org/rochcitydir).

1877 “The Rochester Directory, “ Drew, Allis & Co., Rochester, p.65, Bruce Wm. A. removed to Chicago; Bruce Wm. H. hairdresser, 2 E. Main, h. 184 Lancaster.

1878 “The Rochester Directory, “ Drew, Allis & Co., Rochester, p.65, Bruce Wm. H. hairdresser, 2 E. Main, h. 184 Lancaster [avenue.

1879 “The Rochester Directory” pub. Drew, Allis & Co., Rochester, NY, p. 84, William H. Bruce, hairdresser, 9 North Av, house 9 Sycamore [avenue.

1880 “The Rochester Directory,” pub. Drew, Allis & Co., Rochester, NY, p. 84-85, William H. Bruce, hairdresser, Brackett House, house 9 Sycamore.

1880 US Census (NY, Monroe, Rochester, ED 79, penned sh 32D, dwelling 225, ln 25) William H. Bruce 58, mu, b. VA, both parents b. VA, barber, could read and write, they were living at 9 Sycamore Street. His wife, Minerva 48, mu, b. MS, father b. TN, mother b. MS, could read and write. Their children, all mu, all b. NY, father b. VA, mother b. MS, all could read and write: William A. 24, single, barber; George R. 15, student; and David A. 11, attended school.

1881 “The Rochester Directory,” pub. Drew, Allis & Co., Rochester, NY, p. 87, William H. Bruce, hairdresser, 148 W. Main, house 43 Troup [Monroe Av; William A. Bruce, hairdresser, bds 43 Troup.

1882 “The Rochester Directory,” pub. Drew, Allis & Co., Rochester, NY, p.90, William H. Bruce, removed to Washington.

1882 “Boyd’s Directory of the District of Columtba,” pub. Wm. H. Boyd, p. 230 William H. Bruce, mess, 2036-17th nw.

1883 “Rochester Directory Year beginning 1 July 1883,” pub. Drew, Allis & Co., Rochester, NY, p. 93, no William Bruce.

1883 “Boyd’s Directory of the District of Columtba,” pub. Wm. H. Boyd, p. 245 William H. Bruce, mess Supreme Court U.S., 2036-17th nw.

1890 “Washington, D. C. City Directory, 1890” from ancestry.com, William H. Bruce, barber, 1812-1/2 - 11th, NW.

• • Additional listing (from ancestry.com) William H. Bruce, location 1 1331-”E” NW, location 2 1812-1/2 -11th NW, barber.

1900 “Boyd’s New York [yes, New York] Business Directory 1900,” pub. Wm. H. Boyd, p. 278, William H. Bruce, barber, 1011 E Street, nw, h. 1829 - 11th nw; William H. Bruce, mess, 2036 - 17th nw.

1900 US Census (DC, Washington, ED 50, stamped sh 54A, dwelling 47, ln 22) William H. Bruce 78, black, b. Feb 1822 in VA, both parents b. VA, barber, could read and write, married but the number of years not indicated. His wife, Minerva 68, black. b. Feb 1832 in MS, father b. KY, mother b. TN, could read and write, total kids = 1, living kids = 1. This figure is suspect because for every woman on this page, the number of total kids exactly matches the number of living children. I believe the enumerator (William Ferguson) misunderstood the question. They were listed as “father and mother,” and living at 1812-1/2 Eleventh Street with what appears to be their daughter, Hannah, and her husband and daughter: William McCarey 39, black, b. Oct 1860 in MS, both parents b. MS, clerk, could read and write, owned their home which was mortgaged, married for seven years; Hannah 38, black, b. June 1861 in NY, father b. MS, mother b. VA, she could read and write, total kids = 0, living kids = 0; their daughter Anna 4, b. April 1896 in DC, father b. MS, mother b. NY.

1901 “Boyd’s Directory of the District of Columbia 1901,” pub. Wm. H. Boyd, p. 285, William H. Bruce, barber, 1702 - 12th nw, h. 1812-1/2 11th, nw.; William H. Bruce, mess, 2036 - 17th nw.

1902 “Boyd’s District of Columbia Directory 1902.” pub. Wm. H. Boyd, p. 292, William H. Bruce (Bruce & Williams), 1812-1/2 11th nw; Bruce & Williams (William H. Bruce and Samuel H. Williams), barbers, 12th c. R [no idea what that means], nw.

1903 “Boyd’s District of Columbia Directory 1902,” pub. Wm. H. Boyd, p. 274, William. H. Bruce, 1700 - 12th nw, h. 1812-1/2 11th nw.

1903 Washington, D.C. Death Cert no. 151209, William C. Bruce, d. Oct 17, 1903, 44 years, 9 days old, b. VA, both parents b. VA, worked as an insurance collector, had lived in the District for 15 years, died at 711 - 8th Street, S.W., of pulmonary tuberculosis and exhaustion, for which he’d suffered one year. body was buried in Alexandria, VA on Oct 20, 1903, transported there by boat, signed by B. Wheattey, undertaker (Alexandria). ** I’m pretty sure this is the WRONG William Bruce. Will order FHL film 1994620, which has D.C. deaths index for years 1900-1916. ** 9/16/06.

1903 Washington, D.C. Death Cert no. 148235, William H. Bruce, d. April 1, 1903, aged 81 years, colored, widowed. Barber, b. VA, both parents b. VA, he’d been living in the District 21 years and died at 1812-1/2 11th St. NW from mitral insufficiency and heart failure. He was buried in Harmony cemetery on April 4, 1903.

1903 The Washington Times, April 4, 1903, p.12, col 1, The Death Record “William H. Bruce, 81 years.”

1903 The Colored American, April 11, 1903, p. 12, col 2, Shreds and Patches “Mr William H Bruce an aged and highly respected citizen has died with in a few days Mr Bruce had the highest honors in masonry and had teen a member of more than half a century.”

1919 “Index to District of Columbia Wills 1801-1920,” by Dorothy Provine (District of Columbia Archives), p. 25, William H. Bruce, 1919, Box 622.

1935 Per Death Certificate of Mary Bruce Jackson, his name was William K. Bruce and he was born in Rochester, NY. Informant was Ethel R. Jackson (5/24/1935).

1. ↑ Mitrial Insufficiency, heart failure